Scorpion Spotlight: Anthony Landers, Director of Music

Director of Music Anthony Landers, center, performs as Grade 4 students move to the beat on May 11. Photo: Jess Thibault

Anthony Landers joined the Sage Ridge arts faculty earlier this year and looks forward to bolstering Sage Ridge's award-winning music program. He earned an MFA in North Indian music at CalArts in Valencia, California and a bachelor's degree in music at the University of Nevada, Reno.

He specializes in percussive music and the North Indian tabla, a pair of hand drums. Like many schools' performing arts programs, the COVID-19 pandemic affected in-person recitals, concerts and competitions.

"Being apart, and not able to rehearse, play together and perform for people, really changes the reason for being in a music class," he said. "So, I have adapted by trying to talk about how music affects us as a culture, not just as an individual. For example, there are different types of cultural music that perfectly show how music can affect a community of people."

He also teaches classes outside whenever possible. Get to know more about Mr. Landers.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Sage Ridge community?

Honestly, my favorite part is that everyone has been so nice and welcoming!

What advice do you have for students?

Don't be afraid to be wrong, “Wrong and strong.”

Who is your favorite musical artist? Why?

I can’t choose one — there are so many! My favorite musical performer is my tabla teacher, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. As for my favorite pop artists, ABBA.

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